Million Dollar Grant for Homeless

Posted: Fri 8:53 AM, Jun 25, 2004&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Fri 8:53 AM, Jun 25, 2004

A survey conducted last year by the Tallahassee Coalition for the Homeless found that on the streets of Tallahassee, more than 700 people were without a home, and of that, more than 300 were children, but right now one organization is hoping to get these individuals back on their feet.

Kay Freeman, the executive director of the Tallahassee Coalition for the Homeless, is excited. That's because she and her colleagues are looking forward to the completion of the first phase of the Hope Community.

Kay says, "Some of the people currently staying at The Shelter will be able to come to the Hope Community for six months, and during this transition period be helped towards achieving independent living."

Recently the City of Tallahassee approved 1.2 million in grant dollars toward the completion of phase one.

Kay adds, "Phase one means we'll be able to, in addition to building out the family dorm, we will also be building a men's dorm which will house 72 men at one time, and our cafeteria."

Social worker Minnie Ford knows a lot of people who could benefit from the Hope Community. While talking with area homeless on the street, she says they each dream of one day having a job and coming home to a warm bed of their own.

Minnie says, "They feel like there's nothing else for them, but as the Hope Community comes, it will bring hope for them, give them extra endurance and patience to finally sit down and map out some things for their life."

Freeman says the buildings within the Hope Community are being constructed as funds become available. She plans for the entire complex to be completed within 12 to 18 months.

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